It’s never too early to start preparing your little one for the big transition into preschool. It’s important to stimulate their minds so that they’re ready to jump in and start their schooling. You’re probably already prepping your child, even if you didn’t realize it.
Play outside.
Exploring the outdoors not only creates adventure, but it’s your child’s first science class. Digging in dirt, feeding birds and rolling around in the grass sparks his or her interest in the natural world. Think of it as a basic bio lab.
Read a bedtime story.
There’s no better way to promote literacy than reading out loud to your child. Try choosing two bedtime books. That way, one can be an old favorite that they’ve probably memorized, but the other can be a new story with unfamiliar, stimulating sentences.
Set play dates.
Play dates are socializing practice for the real world. In preschool, your child will be surrounded by other little ones. He or she will have to play, share, take turns and interact with their classmates so learning these skills in a more one-on-one environment is a great start.
Play dress-up.
Running around in a pretend princess dress isn’t just a good time. It’s helping shape your toddler’s thought process. Playing pretend is your child’s first attempt at abstract thinking.
Finger paint.
Or draw. Or color. Or use watercolors. Art allows for expression, creativity and color recognition. And who knows, maybe you’re painting with the next Picasso.
Sources:
Fliess, Sue. “How Playing Dress-Up Shapes Your Child.” Education.com <http://www.education.com/magazine/article/How_Dress_Shapes_Your_Child/>
Rabkin, Rachel. “Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool.” Parents.com. <http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/starting-preschool/preparing/activities/>
There’s no germier combination than dozens of little grabby hands, runny noses and the irresistible urge to taste everything. No matter what precautions your childcare service takes, daycares and preschools are loaded with potential colds, flus and fevers. Here are some tips to help fight off those bugs:
1. An apple a day…
You know the saying. But it’s true! Healthy eating habits help keep children’s immune systems strong. Make sure they maintain a well-balanced diet. The USDA recommends kids ages 2 to 3 should eat a cup of fruit and a cup of vegetables daily.
2. Catch those zzzs.
In addition to the proper nutrients, enough sleep is also essential for a strong immune system. Here are the total hours of sleep children should get, depending on age:
3. Wash hands!
Remind your kiddo about the importance of washing his or her hands. Make sure they understand that the job needs to get done after using the bathroom and before they eat. You can monitor them at home to make sure they’re being diligent with their hygiene.
4. Be courteous to other families.
Read up on your daycare or preschool’s guidelines about when to keep a child home. If your child is super sick, save other families the trouble of going through the same thing. We all know bugs spread like wildfire with little ones so keep your kid at home until he or she is no longer contagious.
5. But remember: things will only get better.
As time passes, your child’s immune system will adjust to its new germy world. If it’s their first time in daycare or preschool, they’re likely to be sick a lot more in the beginning. As their little bodies adjust to the new surroundings, they’ll build the ability to fight off germs, keeping them happy and healthy.
Sources:
-Austin, Elizabeth. “8 Tips for a Healthy School Year.” Parenting.com.
-“Healthy Kids Diets Guidelines.” Eating Well.
-Gelman, Lauren. “Baby and Children Sleep Chart.” Parents.
We’ve been getting requests for resources on special need preschools, so I would like to start compiling lists to make it easier for parents. You may also go directly to MomTrusted.comto search for special needs preschools in your area. Just enter your zip code, then select the special needs and preschool checkboxes on the map page.
Here’s the preschool list for Brooklyn. Click on the Preschool Name to learn more about them.
The Child Study Center of New York– 167-171 Clermont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
The Children’s Center For Early Learning– 83 Marlborough Road, Brooklyn, NY 11226
The Guild For Exceptional Children– 1273 57 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Yaled V’ Yalda Early Childhood Center– 563 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Yelad V’ Yalda Head Start– 600 Mcdonald Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218
Yeled V’ Yalda Early Head Start– 1263 38th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218
Yeled V’ Yalda Early Childhood– 6012 Farragut Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Yeled V’ Yalda Early Childhood Center– 2166 Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11223
Yeled V’ Yalda Gan Ysroel Head Start– 3909 15 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11218
Yeled V’ Yalda Head Start– 1353 50 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Yeled V’ Yalda Head Start– 4206 15 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11219
Yeled V’ Yalda Head Start– 6002 Farragut Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Yeled V’ Yalda Head Start– 1601 42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11204
Yeled V’ Yalda Early Childhood Center– 204 Keap Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Yeled V’ Yalda Early Childhood Center– 407 East 53 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11203
Yeled V’ Yalda Early Childhood Center– 5110 18 Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11204
Yeled V’ Yalda Early Head Start– 6012 Farragut Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Yeled V’ Yalda Head Start– 12 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Yeled V’ Yalda Head Start– 667 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Kings Bay YM-YWHA– 3495 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229
Kingsbay Y Afterschool Annex– 3043 Avenue W 1st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11229
A.M.A. Family Daycare– 350 East 9th st., Brooklyn, NY 11218
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